Flooring Having At Least One Replaceable Section

ABSTRACT

A flooring having at least one replaceable section that allows a section of installed flooring to be removed and replaced with a new section. The flooring can consist of either a hard floor such as linoleum or vinyl, or carpet. Replaceable section(s) of carpet are especially adaptable and effective, therefore carpet is the preferred type of flooring. The section of installed carpet has an upper surface, a lower surface and edges. The new replacement section also has an upper surface, a lower surface, and edges. The new section is dimensioned the same as the removed section and is inserted into a cavity that is created when a section of carpet or hard floor is removed. The cavity has an inner lower surface and an interior edge. Once installed, each new section is maintained within the respective cavity by attachment means.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally pertains to flooring, and more particularly to flooring having at least one replaceable section that allows a section of installed flooring to be removed and replaced with a new section of flooring.

BACKGROUND ART

In many parts of the world, residential and office/business construction creates structures with floors made of a hard, durable material such as concrete. Depending on the room, another material is then placed on the floor. For certain rooms it is preferable to use a hand material such as wood, linoleum, tile or other similar material. For other rooms such as bedrooms, living rooms or offices, carpet is typically utilized.

There are advantages and disadvantages associated with both hard flooring and carpeting. One of the most significant advantages to using hard flooring is that it is much more durable and long-lasting compared to carpeting. But both hard flooring and carpet experience damage, discoloration and/or deterioration in what are referred to as high-traffic areas, which are areas that are exposed to higher use. The high-traffic areas, which typically include areas adjacent/surrounding entrances and exits, and areas near furniture such as in front of a sofa/couch or around a table and chairs. These high-traffic areas experience significantly higher amounts of wear and tear as a result of the frequency of people walking on or other objects contacting the floor. Other areas, such as those in front of a window, can also experience discoloration from prolonged exposure to sunlight.

The high-traffic areas and direct sunlight areas in a carpeted room often show serious amounts of discoloration as well as deterioration. This wear and tear in the high-traffic areas is especially visible compared to the rest of the room, where the carpet is generally in much better condition.

Usually, when a room has wear and tear in the high-traffic or other areas, the hard flooring and carpet is replaced throughout the entire room. This is usually wasteful since the majority of the hard flooring and carpet in the room is still in good condition. Attempts are sometimes made to clean the high-traffic areas, but even if the accumulated dirt/grime is removed, there is still often major wear/deterioration that is clearly visible. So, the only choice has been to re-install hard flooring or carpet in the entire room.

Obviously what is needed is a way to replace only the hard flooring or carpet that is significantly worn and/or damaged, such as that in high-traffic areas. By providing people with the ability to replace only certain sections/areas of hard flooring or carpet, there would be no need to incur the expense, work and time required to re-install hard flooring or carpet in an entire room. Optimally, a section/area of hard flooring or carpet, typically within a high-traffic or discolored area, could be quickly and easily removed. Also, if food or liquid, especially a colored liquid, were to spill onto a section of carpet, a new, replacement section could then be inserted. Depending on the condition of the hard flooring or carpet that was removed, it can be discarded or cleaned and stored to be used as a replacement section at a later time. The time, effort and expense that could be realized by providing replacement hard flooring or carpet section(s) would be beneficial to many people, including homeowners, landlords, business-owners or any other person who is responsible for the upkeep of a living or working environment.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:

PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 3,817,015 Frangos 18 Jun. 1974 4,810,546 McLaughlin 7 Mar. 1989 2008/0254253 Gallager 16 Oct. 2008

The U.S. Pat. No. 3,817,015 patent discloses a system for converting a floor area from one surface to another. A hard floor, typically wood is covered by one or more detachable carpet sections located within an otherwise fully carpeted floor area. In one embodiment grooves are formed in the underlying floor and contain felt strips which lock with detachable, flexible locking strips attached to the carpet sections and which lock therewith when the carpet is installed. Hardened insert strips overlay the felt strips when the carpet is removed to provide a flat, smooth surface.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,546 patent discloses a removable section of carpet with a zipper or Velcro fastener surrounding its border in order to allow the carpet to be removed, cleaned and then reinserted back in place. The removable carpet may be peninsula-shaped for doorway use and when so shaped the non-fastened side is provided with a hinged clamp for fast release.

The 2008/0254253 publication discloses interchangeable and removably connected geometric carpet sections or runners that are suitable for use in homes, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, and the like. The carpet sections have geometric configurations wherein the various sections are removably joined together to follow a given path or direction. Alternatively, a plurality of stair step modules which are attached to stair steps are disclosed.

For background purposes and indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may be made to the following remaining patents found in the patent search.

PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 4,078,109 Kando et al 7 Mar. 1978 4,129,326 Weck, III 12 Dec. 1978 4,671,981 McLaughlin 9 Jun. 1987 7,341,773 Schulte 11 Mar. 2008 7,655,290 Verrue et al 2 Feb. 2010 8,048,506 Wise 1 Nov. 2011 2014/0037885 Oakey 6 Feb. 2014 2014/0134386 Brumbelow et al 15 May 2014 2015/0017376 Smith et al 15 Jan. 2015

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In its basic design the flooring having at least one replaceable section facilitates the removal and replacement of a section of flooring from a room or a hallway. The flooring can be comprised of hard flooring such as linoleum, or can be comprised of carpet. The removing and replacing of a section of flooring is especially effective. The dimensions of the section of flooring that is removed and replaced can vary, depending on where the section is located. Preferably, each section of flooring will be square and can be modularly set side by side. Typically, the carpet section that is removed and replaced is from a high-traffic area, for example, an area extending into a room from a doorway or a central walk-way through a room. After a period of time, a high-traffic area in a room will become significantly more worn than other areas in the room. The high-traffic will have discoloration from dirt and debris or from exposure to sunlight, and will have deterioration from being worn away as a result of friction from people walking on the carpet. The worn and/or discolored section of flooring can be removed and replaced with a new section that matches the surrounding floor.

Prior to flooring being installed the high-traffic and/or direct sunlight areas of particular room are identified. The new flooring is marked and cut at the identified areas. Attachment, means are used to maintain the cut sections in place. When it becomes necessary to replace a worn high-traffic area, the old section of flooring is removed and the new section is inserted into the cavity that is created when the flooring is removed. Once inserted, the new section will be maintained in place by the same type of attachment means that were used to maintain the old section in place.

Depending on how much damage and/or deterioration, the old section can be discarded or it can be cleaned and saved for re-use at a later time. Also, if for some reason a new replacement section is not available, a worn section of flooring can be removed, cleaned and then the same section can be inserted back into place.

In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide a flooring having at least one replaceable section, which allows a person to quickly and easily replace a worn section of flooring, typically from a high-traffic area, with a new section of flooring.

In addition to the primary object of the invention it is also an object of the invention to provide a flooring having at least one replaceable section that:

-   -   can be used for various types of flooring,     -   can be used in high-traffic or non high-traffic areas of a room,     -   can be included as part of a newly installed flooring, or can be         retro-fitted to existing flooring,     -   can use replacement sections of flooring that are color matched         or have a different, complimentary color to the flooring in a         room,     -   is easy to remove a worn floor section and to insert a new,         replacement section, and     -   is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer's         point of view.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing a typical residential room with flooring having multiple replacement sections.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of hard floor prior to being removed and replaced.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of hard floor above a cavity prior to the section being inserted down into the cavity.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of hard floor within a cavity and maintained therein by attachment means consisting of hook and loop fasteners.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of hard floor within a cavity and maintained therein by attachment means consisting of snap closures.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of hard floor within a cavity and maintained therein by attachment means consisting of double-sided tape.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of carpet prior to being removed and replaced.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view showing a replacement section of carpet above a cavity prior to the carpet section being inserted into the cavity and maintained therein by attachment means consisting of hook and loop fasteners.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a preferred embodiment with two applications of a flooring having at least one replaceable section (FHORS). Flooring, whether hard flooring such as linoleum, or carpet, is subjected to conditions that can significantly damage the flooring. The damage can range from wear and tear, and deterioration from extended periods of use to discoloration from exposure to sunlight. The damage is often most prevalent in so-called high-traffic areas which include doorways, areas in front of couches/sofas and/or areas adjacent to entertainment centers or television. The areas in front of a window are sometimes not high-traffic areas, but the flooring can still experience the previously mentioned discoloration. Any area of flooring is susceptible to damage from objects, food, beverages or other substances being dropped or spilled on the flooring.

Often, when an area of flooring is damaged, it is preferable to replace the flooring in the entire room. The main reason for this is because no matter how much cleaning or repair is preformed, the area that is damaged is usually visible when compared to the rest of the flooring. The FHORS offers solution to this problem by providing flooring with replaceable sections. A worn, dirty, or damaged section of flooring can quickly and easily be removed and replaced with a new section.

The FHORS 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, is disclosed in two embodiments: the first embodiment is for hard flooring such as linoleum or vinyl, and the second preferred embodiment is for carpet. Depending on the location the type of flooring will vary. Both embodiments can be utilized in any location including residences/homes, office buildings, retail or wholesale stores, casinos, schools, convention centers, theatres or religious facilities.

The first embodiment for hard flooring is comprised of at least one replaceable section 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, having an upper surface 14, a lower surface 16 and edges 18. The replaceable section 12 is preferably part of the flooring when the flooring is initially installed. Prior to the flooring being installed, the high-traffic areas and/or any other areas that might experience wear and tear can be identified. The identified areas are then selected and if desired can be scored to mark the sections that will likely need to be replaced. Once these steps are performed the flooring is installed.

Provided along with the installed flooring is at least one, and typically multiple depending on the size/purpose of the room, new section 22. Each new section 22, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, has an upper surface 24, a lower surface 26 and edges 28. Each new section corresponds to one of the areas identified prior to the flooring being installed. The dimensions and appearance of a new section 22 exactly match the respective replaceable section 12.

When one (or more) of the replaceable section(s) 12 becomes damaged or dirty, each replaceable section 12 is either cut along the score lines or cut along dimensions that match the respective new section. Once fully cut, each replaceable section can be removed. After a replaceable section 12 is removed, a cavity 32 is created. The cavity 32, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, has an inner lower surface 34 and an interior edge 36.

The second embodiment for the carpet is essentially the same as the first embodiment. A replacement section 40 of carpet, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, has an upper surface 42, a lower surface 44, and edges 46. Each replacement section 40 is identified before the carpet is initially installed. Since the carpet cannot be scored, other identification means can be utilized such as placing small markers at each corner of a square/rectangular area, or even using a chemical that will only appear under black light.

Each replaceable section 40 of carpet has a corresponding new section 50. As shown in FIG. 8, each new section 50 has an upper surface, a lower surface 54 and edges 56. As with the hard flooring, the new section 50 of carpet is dimensioned exactly the same, and has the appearance including texture and color, as the replaceable section 40.

When an area of carpet becomes damaged, dirty, deteriorates or is discolored, the replaceable section 40 is removed. Once a replaceable section 40 is removed, a cavity 60 is created in the carpet. The cavity 60, as shown in FIG. 8, has an inner lower surface 62 and an interior edge 64. Preferably, each new section of carpet (or hard flooring) will be square, thereby allowing each section to be modularly set side by side.

For both the hard floor and the carpet, the new sections 22,50 are secured within the cavity 32,60 by attachment means 70. There can be multiple removable-type attachment means that are utilized, including a hook and loop fastener 72, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a snap closure 74 such as a button, as shown in FIG. 5, or double-sided tape 76, as shown in FIG. 6. Also, an adhesive (not shown) can be used. The adhesive can be a temporary adhesive, or if a new section is to be permanently installed, the adhesive can be a permanent type. The benefit of using the removable attachment means is that multiple new sections 22,50 can be used/inserted over an extended period of time. This is especially beneficial in rooms that only experience use in limited areas. The surrounding flooring 86, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8, is in good condition for a long time, but the areas that are prone to wear and tear can require replacement every six months, for example. The FHORS 10 allows a person to quickly and easily replace the damaged, dirty or worn areas as frequently as needed.

When carpet is utilized, often a lower layer of foam is placed below the carpet. For this application, the foam will be below the attachment means. The foam will cover the entire floor area and will be firmly attached to the floor and the side walls. Attachment means, preferably in the form of an adhesive, will be applied to the upper surface of the foam to secure the foam to the carpet. When the foam is an integral part of the carpet, the foam is located between the carpet and the adhesive that is used to secure the carpet to the flooring below. For certain applications, such as banks or other commercial locations, carpet can be installed without foam.

Normally, the color of the new section of carpet or hard floor will match the surrounding flooring 86. If desired, an alternate color can be used. For example, a lighter or darker shape of the color of the surrounding flooring 86 or a different typically complimentary color can be used. Additionally, designs, images or even words can be displayed, usually these will match or compliment the appearance of the surrounding flooring 86.

Although the FHORS 10 has been disclosed for use with carpet or a hard floor in an inside environment, other applications are also possible. One example is the use of the FHORS 10 in an outside environment with imitation grass, which is known as Astroturf and is used primarily for sporting events. By providing the FHORS 10 for this type of application, situations that could possibly cause a sporting event to be canceled or prematurely end could be avoided.

While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modification may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims. 

1. A flooring having at least one replaceable section that allows a section of installed flooring to be removed and replaced with a new section of flooring, wherein the section of installed flooring has an upper surface, a lower surface and edges, and the new replacement section of flooring has an upper surface, a lower surface and edges, wherein the new section is dimensioned the same as the removed section and is inserted into a cavity that is created when a section of flooring is removed, wherein the cavity has an inner lower surface and an interior edge, wherein once inserted said new section is maintained within the cavity by attachment means.
 2. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein the flooring is selected from the group consisting of carpet, linoleum, vinyl and porcelain tile.
 3. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein said section of flooring that is removed and replaced is located in a high-traffic area.
 4. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein each section of flooring that is replaceable is selected and scored prior to the flooring being initially installed.
 5. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein each section of flooring that is replaceable is selected and scored after the flooring is initially installed.
 6. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein each section of flooring that is replaceable, and each corresponding new replacement section has a geometric or non-geometric shape.
 7. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein each section of flooring that is replaceable, and each corresponding new replacement section has a geometric or non-geometric shape.
 8. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein each new replacement section of flooring is the same color as the existing surrounding flooring.
 9. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein each new replacement section of flooring is a different color than the existing surrounding flooring.
 10. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein the attachment means are selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fastener, snap closures, double-sided tape, or adhesive.
 11. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 wherein the attachment means are located on a lower surface of said at least one replaceable flooring section or said new section of flooring, and a corresponding locations within the cavity.
 12. The flooring having at least one replaceable section as specified in claim 1 further comprising attachment means that secure the edges of said at least one replaceable flooring section and said new section of flooring to the edges of the installed flooring along the interior edge of the cavity.
 13. A flooring having at least one replaceable section wherein said flooring is comprised of carpet, wherein said carpet allows a section of installed carpet to be removed and replaced with a new section of carpet, wherein the carpet is scored at selected locations prior to being initially installed, wherein the installed carpet is comprised of an upper surface, a lower surface, and edges, and the new section of carpet is comprised of an upper surface, a lower surface, and edges, wherein when a section of the installed carpet is removed a cavity is created, wherein the cavity having an inner lower surface and an interior edge, wherein the replacement new section of carpet, which is dimensioned as the removed section of carpet is inserted into the cavity and removably maintained therein by attachment means.
 14. The carpet as specified in claim 1 wherein the carpet is selected from the group consisting of woven, needle felt, knotted pile, tufted and flat weave.
 15. The carpet as specified in claim 13 wherein the selected locations where said carpet is removed from are identified as high-traffic areas.
 16. The carpet as specified in claim 12 wherein each section of carpet that is replaceable is cut out after the carpet is initially installed.
 17. The carpet as specified in claim 14 wherein each section of carpet that is replaceable, and each corresponding new replacement section has a geometric or non-geometric shape.
 18. The carpet as specified in claim 12 wherein the attachment means that allow the new replacement section of carpet to be removably maintained within the cavity are selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fastener, snap closures, double-sided tape and adhesive.
 19. The carpet as specified in claim 18 wherein the attachment means are located on the lower surface of said at least one replaceable carpet section or said new section of carpet, and at corresponding locations within the cavity.
 20. The carpet as specified in claim 12 further comprising attachment means that secure the edges of said at least one replaceable carpet section and said new section of carpet to the edges of the installed carpet along the interior edge of the cavity. 